The small Alaskan village of Takotna

Takotna, Alaska, airstrip

Kim Murphy / Los Angeles Times

The tiny town of Takotna, with a population of 46 to 61 people, is getting a $18.7-million airstrip funded by the federal government to replace this short, dangerous runway atop a bluff near town. Several planes have crashed trying to land there in recent years.

The tiny town of Takotna, with a population of 46 to 61 people, is getting a $18.7-million airstrip funded by the federal government to replace this short, dangerous runway atop a bluff near town. Several planes have crashed trying to land there in recent years. (Kim Murphy / Los Angeles Times)

Dick Newton of Takotna has led the fight for a safer airstrip for more than a decade. The proposed landing strip has been dubbed the latest airport to nowhere, although residents who have had to wait hours or even days for medical evacuations or supplies disagree.

Dick Newton of Takotna has led the fight for a safer airstrip for more than a decade. The proposed landing strip has been dubbed the latest airport to nowhere, although residents who have had to wait hours or even days for medical evacuations or supplies disagree. (Kim Murphy / Los Angeles Times)